Do you guys use scales?

Our primary purpose for a scale is to accurately measure the needed quantity for a cup or pot of tea. A larger capacity scale is obviously more useful and also less likely to be damaged by too much weight. For several years, we've typically purchased 1-2 lbs. or 500g - 1kg of our favorite teas at a time to take advantage of quantity discounts.

... the Triton which, as far as I can remember, has never turned itself off while in use.

"That sounds encouraging."

We're on the same page re quantity, etc. That's what made me decide on the Triton rather than a much cheaper pocket model with less capacity that I saw for sale on eBay that a Chinese blogger used (I recognized it from photos he'd posted; the blog was dedicated to puerh)."I understand:"

The Durascale does have an auto-off feature so after about 30 seconds of no activity the scale would shut off.

"Is that typically enough time for weighing loose tea?DEFINITELY. I put a cha he (they average about 100 g) on the platform, tare it, and then measure my tea. It just takes a few seconds. I always have to shut the scale off manually but then, what's involved is at hand before I turn the scale on--no sense in running batteries longer than necessary.

They don't answer their phone (even on your dime), don't respond to messages, and can't be bothered with e-mail. A shame because I like the MW scales I own.

"That's definitely not appealing especially if one is considering one of their more expensive models."Well, fortunately, I haven't had any problems with their scales. The one time I contacted them, I was planning to buy a refurb (a kitchen scale) and wanted to know if it was covered by any sort of warranty. They never responded, I bought the scale and then reviewed it on Amazon. I very accurately stated that the scale performed fine (and still does) but that My Weigh's customer support sucked. I was rather surprised that readers took the time to comment to the effect that they'd had similar experiences. Review and comments all earned one negative vote apiece; I like to think they were from My Weigh. Again, my scales have both performed perfectly. I recently knocked the little Triton to the floor, breaking its hinges and my heart (thank goodness for airplane glue). I continue to kick myself for my stupidity but it still performs like a champ. It's inexpensive so I'm considering keeping the damaged one in my office at school and buying another for home.

"- Does Old Will Knot Scales provide the needed customer support for WM scales?"I don't know but you could call them and express your concerns. As I mentioned previously, he states on his site that he only carries scales that perform to his satisfaction. Since he carries both of the MW models I own, that went a long way towards establishing creds for me, regardless of who actually sells the scales. I'm pretty sure you can take his endorsement to the bank.

And that's a cute little scale

"- To which scale are referring - the MW DuraScale D2 660 g x 0.1 g ?"No, the other that tops out at a kilo.

Thanks!

My pleasure! I've picked (and will continue to pick) others' brains on my tea journey and am happy to help if I can offer constructive advice.

I agree that "analysis paralysis" can definitely consume too much time. Time that could be better spent exploring & enjoying Tea! Thus, I very much appreciate this TC discussion. It's definitely helped me to better focus my efforts to select a digital scale.

has the display in front of the platform to save on kitchen counter width

Capacity 660g to 1kg

From what I've read on TC, a 0.01 resolution isn't too helpful for loose tea.

A larger platform might be a good idea. However, I don't want to pay 4 times the price for it.

Those are cute scales but the one I have is cheaper and perfectly suits my needs--carats and grains are of no use to me at all and the size of my T2 is just right (not to sound like Goldilocks but it's neither too big nor too small). I literally have almost no counter space at this point in my life so something that fits in a drawer is necessary--even my kitchen scales are kept in a cabinet until needed because there's no place else for them. As to 0.01 resolution, I don't miss it. I've noticed that one has to wait a second or so with my T2 to get a final reading that might be 0.1 higher than shown at first so I cut back to whatever-.9 (e.g. 3.9 g) and then add back tiny pinches until I'm back to the whole number wanted (e.g. 4 g). After all these years, I have it down to a science.

Agreed the T2 is more cost-effective than the T3. However, the D2 660 is only $2 more than the T2. The T3 is the newer version of your T2 plus: German HBM weighing sensors, WeighMeter™ Technology, 660g capacity & "crash protection".

Regarding auto shutoff feature ... if this was mentioned, my apologies. This only comes into play during inactive time ... so as long as you are adding/subracting leaf, the "timer" does not even start. So twisted part of me theorized a long time ago that just allowing the auto shutoff to turn off the scale save wear and tear on the controls and extends scale life ... maybe ... maybe not. It certainly does not drain the battery as my first batteries lasted something like 7 years.

looseTman wrote:Chip,

Your UTI scale sounds like it was excellent purchase at the that time especially since it's been so reliable.

I agree that "analysis paralysis" can definitely consume too much time. Time that could be better spent exploring & enjoying Tea! Thus, I very much appreciate this TC discussion. It's definitely helped me to better focus my efforts to select a digital scale.

The .05 resolution is not needed, but I would still consider an even higher .01 resolution for my next purchase. No legit reason, just because I want it.

So, I would buy a low capacity, high resolution scale ... and then purchase a high capacity, lower resolution (.1) because I need a unit with higher capacity due to conducting a lot of tastings.

I would NOT buy the new UTI unit. .05 resolution is just a bit ... odd.

[quote="looseTman"]Scale MagazineMarket Commentary "The Chinese Invasion Continues" http://www.digitalscale.com/chineseinv.htmlThe article makes good points. Yet another reason to like my T2 is that even though its hinges broke after falling, the scale itself still works fine.

Scales use sensors and some form of load cell. These sensors can be easily damaged if the scale is shocked (ie dropped) or overloaded. The quality HBM sensors (largest sensor manufacturer in the world) will outlast and outperform any of the lower quality generic Chinese made sensors. However, the HBM sensors that most name brand scale companies use cost more then double that of the lower quality generic Chinese sensors.

Did you see this article?The attractive and durable Triton T3

You guys know I love a scale with a higher capacity but also I need it to weigh accurately. This scale can read up to 660 grams and will read all the way down to .1 grams. The scale is also equipped with true 10,000 division German HBM weighing sensors. To sum it up this scale is built for durability and accuracy.

Scales use sensors and some form of load cell. These sensors can be easily damaged if the scale is shocked (ie dropped) or overloaded. The quality HBM sensors (largest sensor manufacturer in the world) will outlast and outperform any of the lower quality generic Chinese made sensors. However, the HBM sensors that most name brand scale companies use cost more then double that of the lower quality generic Chinese sensors.

Yes. That's why I again reiterated my happiness that my T2 continued to work.

Tead Off wrote:Keep in mind, that the smaller pocket scales will not be useful for weighing things like a puerh cake or some packaged teas because many of these platforms are too small or awkward to get an easy, accurate reading.

The Jennings model doesn't have HBM sensors or WeighMeter™ Technology:

Scales use sensors and some form of load cell. These sensors can be easily damaged if the scale is shocked (ie dropped) or overloaded. The quality HBM sensors (largest sensor manufacturer in the world) will outlast and outperform any of the lower quality generic Chinese made sensors. However, the HBM sensors that most name brand scale companies use cost more then double that of the lower quality generic Chinese sensors.

If I want one scale that does it all, the JT-2 1000 appears to be a good value.1. However, I wonder if the JT-2 1000 compromises accuracy and/or long-term reliability to provide higher capacity at a lower cost?

I could choose to only use the scale for our primary purpose - measuring approx. 4-12 g of loose tea per cup or pot.

2. If we decide that's all we need, is the D2 660 x 0.1 the better choice given the HBM sensors (not found in the JScales)?

3. D2 300 x 0.01: Is the greater resolution needed / appropriate / recommended for weighing loose tea? (At what point does it become an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder tendency?)

Can't imagine needing more than 0.1g accuracy for tea--or for any ordinary kitchen/culinary use. It's not like working in a lab, where milligrams may be the right unit of measure for precise work. And the more precise scale may require more upkeep to remain accurate.